My name is Prithviraj Basu, or you can call me PJ for short. I attended Dover Court International School for 13 years. Over the course of my time there, I was extremely shy to the point of being unable to do many things. Growing up, I realised that acting is my passion and that the many experiences I had doing it on stage in Cooper Hall, starting with Mary Poppins in which I played the guard of the Carousel, have shattered my shyness and sparked confidence in me and above all, I’ve been able to interact with people ever since. This was how my journey as an actor officially began and I kept auditioning for and getting roles every year- Bill Sikes in Oliver and Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music were my breakout ones.
I’m now involved with the Singapore Theatre Company in a programme called The Inclusive Young Company which is an actor training programme for young people and adults between the ages of 16-35 with additional needs.
The audition process can get very tough. I did originally try The Young Company first but that didn’t work out, however I kept going and that was how I discovered IYC. The success of my audition in that programme made me learn that nobody starts out successful, there’s always a second chance and that you just need to keep moving forward.
To this very day, I’m now extremely proud to be a part of IYC as it is a programme filled with people who are amazingly and unfailingly inclusive, helpful, supportive and kind. I also now work as a Front of House ambassador for KC Arts Center, which is the area where all the Singapore Theatre Company performances happen.
My journey started with the opportunities given to me by the Dover Court productions as it showed me what my life’s passion would be. It has not been easy and there have been disappointments, but this previously shy guy has learned to keep pursuing his dreams.
Prithviraj Basu
Doverian 2004-2017
